2004 Nissan Murano Problems
- Complaints
- 678filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 72,134miles, 567 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Nissan Murano (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about the continuously variable transmission (CVT), describing delayed or lost acceleration, shuddering and, in some cases, complete failure, with repair quotes in the thousands of dollars. Two other patterns recur across the sample regardless of mileage: driver-side sun visors that drop into the driver's line of sight, and driver's seat frames that crack or rock. Alternator charging failures also appear, including several vehicles that lost power while driving.
- Transmission and drivetrain
CVT transmission failure or delayed acceleration
- 124 complaints (18%)
- median 85,794 mi at 7.8 yrs old (110 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $4,100 (median of 40 quotes)
- filed 2004–2019
Complaints describe the vehicle hesitating or not responding when the accelerator is pressed, then lurching or surging forward, and in some cases the CVT quitting entirely with the engine still running. Several owners say a dealer replaced the whole transmission or quoted several thousand dollars for the repair; a few report the dealer first attributed the behavior to other parts. Some complaints also mention the transfer case leaking or cracking, and one describes a whining or laboring noise as conditions worsened. Reported from around 25,000 miles up to 150,000+ miles, and several owners note the hesitation is worse once the car is warm or in hot weather stop-and-go traffic.
What to check: Ask for transmission service records and whether the CVT fluid was changed on schedule. On a test drive, note any hesitation, shudder or delay when pulling away from a stop after the car is fully warm.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2004 Nissan Murano lost power while driving down the road and almost caused an accident. The transmission made a grinding sound when pushing down the accelerator and lost most of its ability to accelerate at all and then started lurching forward rocking the whole vehicle back and fourth. I took it to a Nissan dealership and explained the problem ,I even left it over night so they could test it in hot and cold conditions. …”
NHTSA complaint #10561375, filed 2014-01, 96,254 miles“My family and I were driving our vehicle and were at a light. Our vehicle shook very hard when I applied the gas. Car would not go more than 5 miles and hour. We were on our way to the highway when it happened. Took the car home. Had it towed to dealership. They discovered that the transmission fluid had leaked out of the car. We were given three reasons for the problem. Reason 1: o ring on hose broke (covered under warranty) reason 2: dealer called back with a second reason. …”
NHTSA complaint #10221767, filed 2008-03, 44,000 miles - Electrical system
Alternator failure and loss of charging
- 113 complaints (17%)
- median 45,000 mi at 3.6 yrs old (95 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $937 (median of 16 quotes)
- filed 2004–2023
Owners describe battery and brake warning lights coming on, electrical power dropping, and the engine stalling or the car refusing to accelerate, sometimes at highway speed. Complaints say the alternator was diagnosed as the problem and replaced, occasionally more than once, and one describes melted wiring at the alternator. Scattered from very low mileage (under 1,000 miles) up to about 190,000 miles, with no single mileage band dominating.
Recall 05V3190002 related service bulletins
What to check: Have the charging system and battery tested before purchase, and ask whether the alternator has been replaced and whether recall 05V319000 was performed for this vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have put 4 alternators on in last 4 months and now it is stuck in security immobilize mode and won't do nothing this safety moad is 3 time it's done it and we can't get it out it won't even get fuel to start because of being stuck in security mode and the key fob works when it wants to and when it went into this mode it was parked but running and I had to tow it home and it's getting pretty expensive”
NHTSA complaint #11351399, filed 2020-08, 23,000 miles“Alternator failed and car stopped in the middle of the freeway during night time while I am driving a car. Thankfully I pulled my car to the side of the freeway and called 911, because I had no lights at all because my car totally died and I had a baby and a wife in the back seat. Pe04077_cat”
NHTSA complaint #10095741, filed 2004-10, 8,500 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Driver sun visor drops into view
- 132 complaints (19%)
- median 60,000 mi at 5.8 yrs old (106 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $400 (median of 27 quotes)
- filed 2008–2016
Owners report the driver-side visor no longer stays in the folded-up position and swings down on its own, sometimes on bumps or when braking, blocking part of the view through the windshield. Complaints say dealers quoted roughly $300 to $400 to replace the visor rather than repair it, and some owners describe holding it up with tape or hook-and-loop material. Appears across a wide mileage span in the sample, from about 40,000 to 120,000 miles, with no clear seasonal pattern.
What to check: Fold both visors down and back up several times and check whether they hold position; ask whether either visor has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“There has not been a wreck yet, but if my 16 year old daughter continues to drive this car there will be a wreck. We bought our 16 year old daughter a 2004 Nissan Murano. The driver side sun visor randomly drops down while she is driving. Nissan wants 400.00 to replace the sun visor. This is a defect in the vehicle. I have gone online there are 100's of complaints about the 2004 Nissan Murano's sunvisor. I want to issue a formal compliant about this very serious problem!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10568799, filed 2014-03, 104,000 miles“Nissan Murano 2004: driver visor no longer stays in upright position and can fall randomly during driving. There are dozens of similar reports on the internet regarding this. I reported this as a safety issue to my local Nissan dealer and national Nissan and they fail to consider it a safety issue - they want me to pay $300 to replace the visor. The visor is very large, and when the visor drops straight down, it can completely obscure vision out the windshield. I am afraid to continue driving this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10300214, filed 2010-01, 45,000 miles - Seats
Driver's seat frame cracks or rocks
- 102 complaints (15%)
- median 82,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (89 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 26 quotes)
- filed 2004–2024
Complaints describe a snap or crack from the driver's power seat, after which the seat leans to one side, rocks side to side in turns, or lifts off its mounts. Owners say the seat track or lift frame has to be replaced, with dealer quotes ranging from about $1,100 to over $1,200, and a few note the same failure returning after an earlier warranty repair. Mostly reported between about 45,000 and 105,000 miles, often noticed during turns or when pulling away from a stop.
Recall 06V0480001 related service bulletin
What to check: Grab the driver's seat and push side to side and front to back to feel for play or rocking, and run the power adjustments through their full range.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving on road I was waiting at green light waiting to turn left. As I began to make the left hand turn across oncoming traffic my seat lifted several inches off the vehicle floor. My body felt as if I had been forcefully lifted and pushed simultaneously. This required me to pull the steering wheel to the right, the opposite direction I was turning, in order to regain control of my own body. This was hazardous to oncoming traffic and. …”
NHTSA complaint #10483990, filed 2012-11, 102,000 miles“I was taking a left hand turn when I heard something snap and my driver's side seat fell back to the left. My foot came off the gas pedal when the seat fell back. I've read all of the complaints and I find it hard to believe that this is not considered a safety issue. I could have easily lost control of the car or come to an abrupt stop from my foot coming off the gas if I were traveling at a faster rate of speed. I just returned from the Nissan dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10334470, filed 2010-06, 48,400 miles - Latches, locks and linkages
Power door locks and keyless entry not working
- 67 complaints (10%)
- median 70,994 mi at 7.0 yrs old (52 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,600 (median of 17 quotes)
- filed 2004–2025
Complaints describe the remote, the key and the interior lock switch failing to lock or unlock one or more doors, most often the driver's and front passenger doors. Some owners mention the intelligent key not being recognised, leaving the car unable to start, and repeated alternator work in the same vehicles. Reported from roughly 25,000 to 150,000+ miles, with several entries involving no-start or security-mode complaints.
What to check: Test every door with the remote, the key and the interior switch, and check that the car starts reliably with each key fob present.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Power locks fail on the drivers door for Nissan Murano 2004 model. This is becoming a common problem based on driver reports. It presents a safety and security risk when the lock switch fails to activate one of the doors. Nissan needs to recognize it and recall it.”
NHTSA complaint #10239727, filed 2008-08, 25,000 miles“There are three ways to lock and unlock the doors; using the remote, using the key and using the interior locks. The remote does not lock nor unlock the driver's nor the front passenger doors. The key, which can only be used in the driver's door lock, will lock and unlock all doors except the front passenger side door. The interior locking mechanism located on the drivers door will not unlock nor lock the front driver's nor the passenger side doors. …”
NHTSA complaint #10621239, filed 2014-08, 35,000 miles
Buying note. Given the age of this model year, a pre-purchase inspection focused on the CVT, charging system and driver's seat frame is worth the cost. Ask for maintenance records, confirm whether outstanding recalls were completed, and budget for potential transmission repairs.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 678 consumer complaints for the 2004 Nissan Murano. 567 of the complaints include a mileage, and 30% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 72,134 miles. Of all complaints, 14 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 23 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 70 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Transmission and drivetrain143 21%
- Electrical system110 16%
- Seats94 14%
- Latches, locks and linkages48 7.1%
- Engine44 6.5%
- Engine cooling38 5.6%
- Fuel system35 5.2%
- Vehicle speed control35 5.2%
- Other or unknown29 4.3%
Also reported: Body and structure (29), Steering (26), Brakes (20), Suspension (15), Air bags (7), Seat belts (7), Electronic stability control (6), Wheels (5), Exterior lighting (4), Tires (3), Equipment (2), Forward collision avoidance (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “The vehicle would not accelerate after it had come to a complete stop on highway. After getting out of my vehicle and pushing it to the side, the vehicle finally drove away. But after this the vehicle has had a transmission rattle in which none of my (4) mechanics can seem to fix. Failure at 100,110k miles. Glad Nissan is making money while we suffer.”
NHTSA complaint #11053366, filed 2017-12, 110,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “The driver side sun visor randomly drops down while driving. Nissan wants 400.00 to replace the sun visor. This is a defect in the vehicle. I have gone online there are 100's of complaints about the 2004 Nissan Murano's sunvisor. I want to issue a formal compliant about this very serious problem! This happens daily.”
NHTSA complaint #10569172, filed 2014-03, 141,000 milesElectrical system: “My car doesn't have automatic door locks, for 3 times now my doors have locked while running and the doors were closed. My car locked my grandson, which is 6 years old in, and the last time was yesterday on 10/09/2019. My husband had to break the window to get in the car. This is a serious hazard. My doors aren't suppose to be locking themselves. I need answers for this situation”
NHTSA complaint #11279253, filed 2019-11, 245,000 milesSeats: “My drivers side seat just broke on the back left side so now you can't sit in it and drive. I now sit crooked in the seat and don't feel safe driving it, what if I was in an accident and my seat now might throw me somewhere because it is now broken. This should be a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10761130, filed 2015-09, 150,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
30% of the 567 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 42,000 and 106,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Nissan Murano. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murano · sedan | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 15.1% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 Nissan Murano version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murano 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Murano AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 09V169000May 19, 2009Engine and engine coolingCovers: Nissan Murano 2003–2007
Nissan is recalling 362,891 my 2003-2007 murano vehicles. The intake air ducts, which are connected to the intermediate resonator in the air intake system of the engine, may separate from the resonator with engine movement. This separation occurs due to the…
- 06V048000Feb 13, 2006Seat belts › Rear/otherCovers: Nissan Murano 2003–2006
On some sport utility vehicles, in certain high speed frontal crashes, the webbing of a rear outboard seat belt may contact the rear seat back hinge where it can be cut by the sharp edge of the metal portion of the hinge.
- 06V003000Jan 10, 2006Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Nissan Murano 2003–2006
On certain sport utility vehicles, due to the location of the forward edge of the fuel tank, in the event that a vehicle front tire runs over a small, sharp object in the road, catches it and propels it towards the rear of the vehicle, it may strike and…
- 05V319000Jul 14, 2005Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulatorCovers: Nissan Murano 2003–2005
On certain sport utility vehicles, there is a possibility that a wire breaking inside the alternator could stop the battery from charging.
Recall details for the 2004 Nissan Murano → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE08065Driver seat anchor failureClosed · Nov 18, 2008
- PE05050Fuel tank punctures from road debrisClosed · Sep 13, 2005
- EA05006Alternator failure / engine stallingClosed · Mar 25, 2005
- PE04077Alternator failure/ engine stallingClosed · Nov 19, 2004
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 70 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid…
- 10239060Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. 12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V…
- 10235707Apr 27, 2023Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Murano
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 25 | 3,130 | 2 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 5 | 4,457 | 1 | 5 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 8 | — | 0 | 5 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 6 | 20,300 | 0 | 5 | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 17 | 23,000 | 0 | 5 | 23 | — | Rising |
| 2020 | 48 | 9,500 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 55 · Typical | Stable |
| 2019 | 44 | 10,300 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 32 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2018 | 113 | 17,400 | 2 | 4–5 | 24 | 84 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 107 | 19,800 | 3 | — | 24 | 87 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 108 | 32,000 | 5 | 4–5 | 24 | 88 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 204 | 23,150 | 5 | 4 | 24 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 145 | 58,000 | 1 | 4 | 20 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 74 | 66,000 | 1 | 4 | 20 | 8 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 135 | 65,000 | 1 | 4 | 20 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 148 | 85,000 | 0 | 4 | 20 | 14 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 193 | 88,000 | 0 | — | 20 | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 635 | 80,305 | 4 | — | 20 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 5 | 33,500 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 676 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 803 | 65,526 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 987 | 66,000 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 678 | 72,134 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 800 | 72,000 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Nissan Murano model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Nissan Murano?
Owners of this model year most often write about the continuously variable transmission (CVT), describing delayed or lost acceleration, shuddering and, in some cases, complete failure, with repair quotes in the thousands of dollars. The issues reported most often: CVT transmission failure or delayed acceleration; Alternator failure and loss of charging; Driver sun visor drops into view.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Nissan Murano have?
NHTSA recorded 678 consumer complaints for the 2004 Nissan Murano as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Nissan Murano is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 143 complaints (21% of the total), followed by visibility with 133.
Has the 2004 Nissan Murano been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Nissan Murano get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Nissan Murano (Murano 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Nissan Murano reported?
Among the 567 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 72,134 miles and the middle half falls between 42,000 and 106,000 miles; 30% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.